A new parliamentary inquiry report highlights that government procurement has an important part to play in supporting the development of Australia’s sovereign industry capability.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 31 March 2022

A new parliamentary inquiry report highlights that government procurement has an important part to play in supporting the development of Australia’s sovereign industry capability. Mr John Alexander OAM MP, Chair of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Transport and Cities, today tabled the report for the committee’s inquiry into procurement practices for government-funded infrastructure. ‘Since starting the inquiry last year, these issues have become even more significant and pressing. Sovereign security has in recent times, become an important issue for our country, as tensions between great power competitors come into sharp focus, with real concern for the impact this has on our exports and the flow-on effects to our economy.’ ‘Over many decades, sovereign security has been compromised due to our expedient choices in seeking the lowest price over best value for our procurement. This has diminished our capacity to deliver fit-for-purpose infrastructure and a sustainable industry,’ Mr Alexander said. ‘The lack of long-term planning has resulted in a piecemeal, ad hoc and reactive delivery process, which thwarts the development of efficiencies in the construction industry that could be attained if there was a steady pipeline of projects available. Industry needs the confidence to gear up in line with the opportunities available, which would build up industry capacity and productivity.’ Mr Alexander also highlights that, ‘In the 88 per cent male dominated construction workforce, more needs to be done to address the cultural practices and norms within the construction industry that disincentivise women from entering or staying.’ The committee makes eight recommendations aimed at: improving the planning, procurement and delivery of government-funded infrastructure projects improving collaboration between the tiers of government enhancing opportunities for Tier 2 and 3 companies and Australian businesses to participate in the significant Australian infrastructure pipeline improving technology uptake by both governments and industry, and improving the construction industry’s capacity and sovereign capability. The report is available on the committee’s website. Media enquiries Mr John Alexander OAM MP, Committee Chair Electorate: 02 9869 4288 Parliament: 02 6277 4804 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2352 ITC.reps@aph.gov.au www.aph.gov.au/itc For more information about this committee, you can visit its website.

Key private investors, small to medium enterprise groups, and government departments will be among the final bodies to appear as part of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Transport and Cities infrastructure procurement inquiry, in a series of videoconference public hearings on 10, 16 and 18 November 2021.

Media release issue date: Monday, 8 November 2021

Key private investors, small to medium enterprise groups, and government departments will be among the final bodies to appear as part of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Transport and Cities infrastructure procurement inquiry, in a series of videoconference public hearings on Wednesday 10 November, Tuesday 16 November and Thursday 18 November 2021. The committee will examine the enormous opportunities and challenges presented by the Australian Government’s $110 billion commitment to major infrastructure projects over the next decade, and the central role this pipeline will play in Australia’s post-pandemic economic recovery. Committee Chair Mr John Alexander OAM MP said, ‘these nation-building infrastructure projects will be challenging to deliver given their scale, so it’s critical that we’re smart in sequencing and coordinating our capital investment. We also need to get more innovative in our project and contract management to ensure that small to medium Australian businesses have the opportunity not just to contribute but to thrive in delivering infrastructure. That’s why we’ll be focusing on investors and small to medium business groups in these hearings.’ ‘And finally, it’s vital that we also hear from Infrastructure Australia and key government departments to test the ideas generated so far by this inquiry.’ Groups appearing on 10 November include IFM Investors, Plenary Group Holdings Pty Ltd, and Hughes et al, while the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman and Apricity Finance Group Pty Ltd will feature in an afternoon panel discussion on ‘Small and Medium Enterprises’. Taking centre stage on 16 November will be the Business Council of Australia, JNT Consulting, Mace Group, the Australian Institute of Building, and North Projects, followed by a panel discussion on ‘Sustainability and renewables’ involving the Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia, the Green Building Council of Australia, and Tindo Solar. Lastly, on 18 November, the committee will hear from Infrastructure Australia, the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications, the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, and the Department of Finance. The terms of reference and submissions received are available on the committee’s website. Public hearing details Date: Wednesday, 10 November 2021 Time: 11.00am to 3.15pm Location: Videoconference Date: Tuesday, 16 November 2021 Time: 9.15am to 3.30pm Location: Videoconference Date: Thursday, 18 November 2021 Time: 10.00am to 4.15pm Location: Videoconference Programs for the hearings are available on the Committee’s website. Due to health and safety concerns relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, this hearing is not currently scheduled to be open for public attendance. Interested members of the public will be able to view proceedings via the live webcast at aph.gov.au/live. Media enquiries Mr John Alexander OAM MP, Committee Chair Electorate: 02 9869 4288 Parliament: 02 6277 4804 For background information Please contact the Committee Secretariat Phone: 02 6277 2352 Email: ITC.reps@aph.gov.au  Website: www.aph.gov.au/itc For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website.  

Key industry players, peak bodies and stakeholder groups will discuss major infrastructure projects and procurement when they appear before the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Transport and Cities at videoconference public hearings on Tuesday, 5 October and Thursday, 14 October 2021.

Media release issue date: Friday, 1 October 2021

Key industry players, peak bodies and stakeholder groups will discuss major infrastructure projects and procurement when they appear before the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Transport and Cities at videoconference public hearings on Tuesday, 5 October and Thursday, 14 October 2021. The committee will examine the challenges and opportunities for the construction industry that comes with the Australian Government’s $110 billion commitment to the major infrastructure projects pipeline over the next decade. Committee Chair Mr John Alexander OAM MP, said ‘while the major infrastructure projects in the pipeline will play an important part in Australia’s economic recovery, the committee recognises that it will also place considerable demands on the construction industry and may exacerbate challenges the industry is already facing, including productivity and skill shortages.’ ‘The key focus of this inquiry is how to improve procurement practices for government-funded infrastructure. Through strategic, effective and efficient procurement practices, governments can: help ensure the delivery of quality projects and value for money; drive important industry changes; and maximise opportunities for Australian businesses.’ The public hearings will include panel discussion sessions on key themes. On 5 October selected groups will focus on issues in the construction sector, including driving cultural change. At the 14 October panel session, the committee will explore technology and digital delivery themes with industry groups. ‘The committee looks forwards to hearing from these construction and engineering companies, industry peak bodies and stakeholder groups on what is working well in project procurement and delivery, and how the Australian Government can help drive necessary change and grow Australia’s sovereign industry capability,’ said Mr Alexander. The terms of reference and submissions received are available on the committee’s website. Public hearing details Date: Tuesday, 5 October 2021 Time: 9.15am to 5.30pm Location: Videoconference Date: Thursday, 14 October 2021 Time: 9.15am to 5.15pm Location: Videoconference Programs for the hearings are available on the Committee’s website. Due to health and safety concerns relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, this hearing is not currently scheduled to be open for public attendance. Interested members of the public will be able to view proceedings via the live webcast at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Mr John Alexander OAM MP, Committee Chair Electorate: 02 9869 4288, Parliament: 02 6277 4804 For background information Please contact the committee secretariat Phone: 02 6277 2352, Email: ITC.reps@aph.gov.au Website: www.aph.gov.au/itc For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website.

Government, industry and a think tank will appear before the House Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Transport and Cities at a videoconference public hearing on Tuesday, 14 September 2021, to examine how to improve procurement practices for government-funded infrastructure.

Media release issue date: Friday, 10 September 2021

Government, industry and a think tank will appear before the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Transport and Cities at a videoconference public hearing on Tuesday, 14 September 2021, to examine how to improve procurement practices for government-funded infrastructure. Committee Chair Mr John Alexander OAM MP said ‘given the Australian Government’s $110 billion commitment to the infrastructure pipeline as part of Australia’s Economic Recovery Plan, it is crucial that government ensures taxpayer money is used effectively.’ ‘The diversity of witness groups at this, and upcoming hearings, reflects that for infrastructure procurement reform to be effective, it must be a collaboration between government, industry and key stakeholders,’ said Mr Alexander. The Australian National Audit Office, Department of Defence and New South Wales state-owned corporation Sydney Water will help illustrate challenges faced, and lessons on what has not worked and what is working well. Consult Australia and the Australian Industry Group Limited (Ai Group) will provide a valuable industry perspective on challenges and opportunities in infrastructure procurement. While the Grattan Institute think tank will share its findings on the effects of mega-projects and recommendations for government action. ‘Sydney Water and the Centre for Defence Industry Capability have taken some innovative approaches to project delivery, technology and supporting industry development. The committee looks forward to hearing about their experiences and potential for wider application in the infrastructure sector,’ said Mr Alexander. The terms of reference and submissions received are available on the committee’s website. Public hearing details Date: Tuesday, 14 September 2021 Time: 9.15 am to 3.30 pm Location: Videoconference A program for the hearing is available on the committee’s website. Due to health and safety concerns relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, this hearing is not currently scheduled to be open for public attendance. Interested members of the public will be able to view proceedings via the live webcast at aph.gov.au/live. Media enquiries Mr John Alexander OAM MP, Committee Chair Electorate: 02 9869 4288, Parliament: 02 6277 4804 For background information Please contact the committee secretariat Phone: 02 6277 2352, Email: ITC.reps@aph.gov.au Website: www.aph.gov.au/itc For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website.  

A new parliamentary inquiry will examine procurement practices for government-funded infrastructure.

Media release issue date: Friday, 4 June 2021

A new parliamentary inquiry will examine procurement practices for government-funded infrastructure. Committee Chair of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Transport and Cities, Mr John Alexander OAM MP, said ‘this is an important and timely inquiry as Australia focuses on its economic recovery.’ The Australian Government has committed $110 billion to a 10-year infrastructure pipeline, as part of Australia’s Economic Recovery Plan. This includes $15.2 billion in new commitments to infrastructure projects in the 2021-22 Budget. ‘Given the size of this investment, it is important that procurement practices for these government-funded infrastructure projects provide the best value for tax-payer dollars and support developing Australian industry capabilities and Australian jobs,’ said Mr Alexander. ‘The committee will examine challenges and opportunities to enhance Australia’s sovereign industry capability, including for Australian-owned businesses. We are keen to hear about: what is working well here and internationally; opportunities to improve procurement practices; and how governments at all levels can better cooperate on infrastructure procurement.’ The committee invites submissions from stakeholders and interested parties. The full terms of reference are available on the committee’s website. Submissions are being sought by Friday, 16 July 2021. Submissions can be made online or by emailing itc.reps@aph.gov.au. Media inquiries Mr John Alexander OAM MP, Committee Chair Electorate: 02 9869 4288, Parliament: 02 6277 4804 For background information Please contact the committee secretariat Phone: 02 6277 2352, Email: ITC.reps@aph.gov.au Website: www.aph.gov.au/itc For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.